Funeral services for Les ‘Butch’ Rollins, 63, Lawrence, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Morning Star Church, 998 N. 1771 Rd., with Pastor Rick Mullen officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City.
Mr. Rollins died Monday, Mar. 5, 2012, at his residence following a battle with cancer.
He was born June 19, 1948, in Ottawa, the son of Lee and LaVerna Workman Rollins. He graduated from Lawrence High School, and later served for more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
Mr. Rollins worked in the instrumentation shop at the University of Kansas, and retired as shop supervisor earlier this year due to health after 22 years of service. Among his duties was keeping communications equipment working for KU basketball and football games, working over 900 basketball games and never missing a football game during his employment. He was recognized by KU at a home basketball game earlier this year for his service to the University. He was a life member of VFW Post 852, Lawrence, and a member of the American Legion Post 14, Lawrence. He attended Morning Star Church, and was active in the Patriot Guard. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycles.
Survivors include a half brother, Darrell Charpilloz and wife Jesusa, Washington State; two sisters, LaVerna Lee Gray and husband Bill, Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and Susie Hackathorn and husband John, Lecompton; two nephews, four nieces, four great nephews, and two great nieces.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m..
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044
Sorry for your loss, I remember butch from years ago but always looked up to him
Many of you of course knew Les from family or motorcycles or dogs. I knew him through his work at KU where I considered him to be a trusted and valuable partner. Les and I shared many a plane and bus ride to KU football games over the years, hauling equipment to press boxes. I could always count on Les for friendly and helpful cooperation at athletics events and press conferences where we would share audio feeds. He made my job a lot easier. Les worked quietly behind the scenes at KU games, but he made a lot of sound! Technically proficient himself, Les was always quick to praise others who worked for him. Rest well, Les. I will miss you, my friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Les was truly a wonderful man to deal with at KU. He will be missed by all of those who had the opportunity to work with him.
For Susie and all her dear family… We are deeply sorry for your loss. Words never suffice, so we keep you in our special prayers for Our Lord’s peace and strength to get through each hour of each day.
To Les’s family, and KU family. Les was a great man, he was always there when I needed help. My heart felt sympathies go out to all of you. Les is gone now,but he will not be forgotten. The world is truely a lesser place without him. He will be missed.
To Susie,LaVernalee and family. We are very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our hearts and thoughts. Sending our prayers and healing thoughts to you all.
LaVerna and Susie, my condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Merry Bower
(childhood friend from Western Hills neighborhood)
Our deepest sympathy to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am glad that I got to know Les through motorcyling. He is a great man and will be sorely missed, our prayers and condolences for the family, God bless you Les, may we ride the Dragon in the sky together, Frank
The Lawrence Jayhawk Kennel Club sends are condolences to the family. Les was a great guy and was always willing to help anyone out. Although he hadn’t been a member for awhile he was always willing to help us out. He will be missed.
Vickie Jacobs
Friend and Secretary of the LJKC
my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, Les was a heck of a guy, and i am honored to have had the opportunity to know him. he will be truly missed.
My condolences to you and your family. We are sending prayers and love your way. Please if you need anything during this difficult time please let us know.
With Love,
Arthur and Barbara (Barbie) Wolford
Susie, John, Josh, Jaclyn, Aimee, Justin, Tanya – my sympathy and love to all of you at this time. I know how much Butch meant to all of you – especially the kids. He may be gone from you physically, but he will always live on in your hearts and memories.
Aimee and family, my thoughts are with you all during this very tough time. Please know that I’m thinking about you.
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your love one Ms.Rollins. May you find comfort in the words of our Lord Jesus in John 5:28,29, “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out…..to a resurrection of life,”